For in the one spirit we were all baptized into one body – Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. -1 Corinthians 12:13
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court made its long-awaited ruling on same gender marriage, (http://apps.npr.org/documents/document.html?id=2111867-scotus-gay-marriage-decision) clearing the way for same gender couples in every state to marry. I am writing you about what this means for pastors and congregations of the South Dakota Synod.
Since the ELCA social statement, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust, which speaks to the church’s teachings on marriage, was passed in 2009, much has changed in the United States in respect to acceptance of same-gender unions by the general public. These changes in public acceptance of same-gender marriage and today’s Supreme Court decision present challenges and opportunities to ELCA pastors and congregations who are seeking the best ways to provide pastoral care for all to whom they minister. (If your congregation has not already done so, this would be a good time to study and discuss the document. The social statement is available online at www.elca.org/socialstatements.)
Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust recognizes that in the ELCA we are not of one mind on the question of same-gender marriage. Other 2009 Churchwide Assembly actions left the question of recognition and support of same-gender couples to local congregations and pastors, and called on the members of this church to commit ourselves to being respectful of various perspectives, and accepting of differing practices.
Until the recent court action, same-gender marriage was not an option in our synod. Now, however, congregations in our state that choose to do so may recognize and bless same-gender couples who wish to be married.
Here are issues to discuss and consider in your congregation:
1. The 2009 Churchwide Assembly actions trust pastors and congregation councils to discern how to respond to same gender couples who desire to be married in their congregations. Your congregation may already be clear about whether it does or does not wish to celebrate marriages of same-gender couples. Know that all of us in the South Dakota Synod are committed to respect your congregation’s decision on this matter. I am personally grateful to be part of a church that has chosen to recognize and respect a diversity of practice, as difficult as that may be for us at times.
2. Many congregations have wedding guidelines for pre-marital counseling, rules about photography or music appropriate for wedding ceremonies, etc. In light of this new freedom to marry same-gender couples, it would be good for pastors and congregation councils to review your congregation’s policies and be sure that everyone has the same understanding.
3. Who to marry is a decision most congregations leave to the pastor. Your congregation may choose to do this in the current circumstance as well, but there should be a clear understanding between pastor and congregation council whether the pastor will preside at weddings for same-gender couples. In our ELCA, pastors are not free agents; they are called by congregations (and in some cases by the Synod Council or the Churchwide organization). We do not understand ministers of Word and Sacrament to act on their own authority, but in accordance with the agreements and polities of the ELCA and under the call of their congregation. Still, honoring their “bound consciences” pastors cannot and will not be required to preside at the marriage of any couple, other-gendered or same-gendered.
It is certain that ELCA congregations in this synod will make different decisions around same gender marriage. Some congregations will offer same-gender marriage services and some will not. Some congregations will be glad to allow their pastors to use their own judgment in this matter. How to respond to this new development is each congregation’s decision to make. Those of us in the synod office are glad to do anything we can to help you and your congregation as you navigate this new reality.
Again, our church acknowledges that faithful people can and will come to different conclusions about what constitutes responsible action in response to same-gender couples seeking recognition for their relationships. I am confident that we can see our differences in the broader context of that which unites us: the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ who leads us into mission for the sake of the world.
May God continue to guide and bless us in these times.
In Christ’s peace,
Bishop David Zellmer
South Dakota Synod, ELCA
